Education Minister Maszlee Malik has refused to address the topic of his supposed resignation as president of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), saying it would be disrespectful to discuss such "rumours" while attending an event at the institution.
Maszlee was questioned on the matter after officiating at an IIUM convocation ceremony today.
"Where did you get this news (that I had resigned)?" he immediately asked.
When it was pointed out that the news of him stepping down was furnished by his aide, Maszlee likened reporters to wedding crashers.
"I don't think it is suitable to discuss that, the rumours... you don't want to be party crashers.
"People are having a meaningful, historic event, (I am) giving scrolls and you want news on a rumour. This is not appropriate. We will discuss this another time."
"You don't want to disrespect the host (tuan rumah). At a wedding, you come as party crashers and ask (the newlyweds) when are you going to get divorced? That is not the way we Malaysians deal with people," he stressed.
Yesterday, one of Maszlee's aides confirmed with Malaysiakini that the minister had agreed to step down as IIUM president.
The aide said Maszlee would do so once a suitable replacement has been found, and after the university's convocation week.
"There is no pressure for him to resign," the aide added.
However, IIUM has denied any knowledge of the matter, saying it was not informed of Mazslee's apparent intention to resign.
Maszlee has been under mounting pressure to resign from the post since his appointment was announced by IIUM in September.
Critics, including student groups and lawmakers, said the appointment contravened Pakatan Harapan's election manifesto, which assured university autonomy, and was a clear conflict of interest in view of his position as education minister.
Maszlee dismissed these claims, and stated that his appointment was made by Pahang ruler Sultan Ahmad Shah on the advice of the prime minister.
IIUM also stood by the appointment, saying that Maszlee is well-versed in the university’s inner workings as a former lecturer there, and added that he agreed to serve his three-year term without remuneration. -Mkini
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